What is Microfiber Leather

Overview

Nowadays the term microfiber leather has become so familiar among fashionistas that almost everyone is talking and arguing about its benefits and cost-effectiveness over natural or real leather which is directly sourced from animal skins.

Before we proceed to define microfiber leather and elaborate on its characteristics, it is crucial to understand what natural leather is and why the idea of materials like microfiber was introduced and produced so you can better compare both with clear balanced points in mind.

Natural Leather and Its Environmental Impact

Natural leather is genuine leather that is directly sourced from the animal hide which then goes through a series of long processes of tanning and finishing to convert it finally to a useable material called leather. With the rise of different schools of thought communities including animal protection rights, go vegetarian, and save animal lives, the demand for natural leather observed a shift allowing a significant gap for the innovators to introduce the best artificial replacement for natural leather.

However, this need became even more prominent when the article published by the World Wildlife Fund Organization titled, “What is the environmental impact of leather?” led people around the world to think about a sleeping disastrous issue that according to them is becoming a big threat to the environment. 

Their article revealed that the overproduction of cattle for getting meat, dairy products, and leather is responsible for deforestation resulting in biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and the emission of greenhouse gases in the shape of methane gas that is exerted by cattle through burping and farting. This information triggered the entire fashion industry to innovate something so sturdy and long-lasting as it could easily replace natural leather while tackling serious environmental issues and consumer needs.

It is when this great unnatural type of leather was produced.

What is Microfiber Leather? A Complete Definition with Characteristics

Microfiber leather is a synthetic leather produced with a combination of the finest synthetic fibers and polyurethane (PU) resin. It is made with a blend of both materials in a three-dimensional structure. The manufacturing also includes adding cowhide leather scraps to give the material a natural leather smell, texture, and feel. The skin pulp made out of this whole process then further undergoes PU (polyurethane) film coating over it to make it waterproof.

Now, that we have got the technical understanding of the material so let’s move on to its characters.

Key Characteristics of Microfiber Leather

1.Water Resistant and Breathable

Where some natural leather types stand non-water resistant, this artificial leather ensures 100% water resistance. This feature makes it an ideal leather type to wear even in rainy terrain.

Similarly, it ensures breathability. Although, not as close to the real leather but still appreciative enough to be used in garments, furniture as well car seats, and accessories.

Stain-resistant and Low Maintenance

Unlike natural leather which has pores that get expanded over time, this leather type contains a non-porous smooth texture that doesn’t allow any alien elements to settle in it over time. It results in the non-emission of any unpleasant odor.

On the other hand, because of the same non-porous nature, it is easier to clean and maintain as most residue floats over it and doesn’t get absorbed like natural leather.

Lightweight and Durable

Since the microfiber and polyurethane materials, both are lightweight, therefore the microfiber leather which is the transformed version of both is also lightweight.

Secondly, thanks to the lasting life, less prone to cracking, and non-porous nature of PU and synthetic fibers, it ensures the longevity of the microfiber leather. However, it is not as durable as natural leather but when compared with the high maintenance of real leather it stands comparatively better in durability because of its low maintenance.

Eco-friendly and Easy to Handle

Contrary to natural leather which costs animal lives, abundant use of fresh water, and uses of several intoxicated chemicals, microfiber leather is produced with zero life loss, lesser water usage, and chemical treatment. This is how it saves the shrinking drinkable water of the planet and helps reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that collectively help contribute to environmental friendliness efforts.

Also, real leather is difficult to handle in the stitching process and requires specialized craftsmen. That means a specific workmen category can stitch a flawless garment out of it at a higher labor cost. This difficult-to-deal issue is resolved by microfiber leather, which requires less specialized workmanship to craft an immaculate final product.

Cheap and Easily Procurable Material For;

1.Automotive Industry

The automotive industry works in the lead time deadline environment. It means a delay in the acquisition of natural leather and manufacturing of seats and interior using it could affect the final delivery of the vehicle.

The microfiber leather helps here as its production is not directly dependent on any natural factor or resource. It also doesn’t need specialized leather workers which convenience the company to manufacture lasting quality beautiful seats and other embellishments at a controllable pace and at an economical price. This feature gives the automobile industry an advantage of price competitiveness too.

2. Furniture and Upholstery

With the microfiber leather, gone are those days when a stunning sofa set used to be a symbol of financial superiority. The ample and feasible availability of microfiber leather now gives the furniture industry an edge to frequently produce furniture at lower prices enabling them to meet the wider demand of the market.

The economical and frequent production of microfiber leather helps the leather industry to produce even more compelling colors offering a wider range of hues.

These advantages in combination help the furniture market to produce even more innovative and eye-catching products at lower prices and at fast lead times. Not only this, but it has also enabled furniture makers to renew old furniture like sofa sets by using microfiber leather in upholstery.

3.Microfiber Leather Vs Other Artificial Leather Types

 1.Microfiber Leather Comparison with PU Leather

Microfiber leather is made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers and polyurethane coating in a three-dimensional bonding. On the other hand, polyurethane (PU) leather is made from the coating of several materials over one another including PU and fabric base. Therefore it is thicker, stiffer, non-breathable, and less flexible which makes it easily prone to getting stains, peeling, and cracking resulting in reduced life. However, it is more affordable than microfiber leather which makes it ideal to use for occasional purposes like Halloween and cosplay costumes, etc.

Comparatively the overall lasting and performance quality of microfiber leather is much better than PU leather because of its breathability, softness, and flexibility. These traits make it ideal for making high-end products.

2. Microfiber Leather Comparison with PVC Leather

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride Leather is another substitute for natural leather but unlike microfiber leather, it is lesser eco-friendly. Its manufacturing involves the use of harmful chemicals and it is not biodegradable too. Similar to PU leather it is also easily prone to cracking over time but it is still a good option to consider because of its affordability.

However, when it comes to suppleness, breathability, and ease of maintenance, microfiber leather still stands as the best option over PVC leather.

3.Microfiber Leather Comparison with Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is a cheaper form of artificial leather made from a mixture of shredded leather fibers and adhesives which are then pressed to make sheets. It looks very artificial addressing its own unauthenticity. Besides, it is stiffer and easily prone to peeling. It is used to make low-quality products because of its competitive prices. As compared to the premium quality microfiber leather, it doesn’t even stand closer to it.

4.Microfiber Leather Comparison with Poromeric Leather

Poromeric leather is produced in a microporous structure with a thin layer of polyurethane or plastic coated over a fabric base. This structure allows sufficient air circulation and flexibility. However, they are less durable than microfiber leather which is made from the strongest and thinnest form of fibers.

Therefore, they are commonly used for making low-priced footwear and athletic gear.

5.Microfiber Leather Comparison with Leatherette

Leatherette is a cheaper form of synthetic leather in terms of quality and price than microfiber leather. It is made from a plastic material similar to PVC leather. It is more affordable but less durable and therefore it is used for making even more budget-friendly products like upholstery and car seats etc.

On the flip side, microfiber leather is a durable and affordable alternative to natural leather.

6.Microfiber Leather Comparison with Cork Leather

Cork leather is an organic leather made from the bark of cork oak trees. It is biodegradable and therefore comparatively more eco-friendly than microfiber leather, which is a synthetic leather type. Both the leathers are soft, flexible, breathable, and smooth in feel but there’s a slight texture difference.

7. Microfiber Leather Comparison with Micro-suede Leather

As the microfiber leather mimics real natural leather, the micro-suede leather resembles suede leather in texture, feel, and finish but is not the real one. The technology used for the manufacturing of the micro-suede is the same as the microfiber leather but the material used is different which is polyester or nylon. It also inherits the same qualities as microfiber leather which includes stain-resistant, lightweight, breathability plus plush and fuzzy surface. It makes it the best replacement for the suede leather at a competitive price.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is microfiber leather made of?

A. Microfiber leather is a synthetic leather that resembles natural leather but is not made from the animal’s hide. Rather it is made from the finest form of fiber and polyurethane, in a three-dimensional structure which makes it soft, supple, breathable, water-resistant, and stain-free.

2.How does microfiber leather compare to real leather?

A. Natural or real leather is made from the animal’s hide which involves animal cruelty. On the other hand, microfiber leather is made without sacrificing any life using technology and sturdy materials like fiber. Natural leather offers lasting quality but requires great care because of its porous nature. Microfiber leather offers a similar lasting quality but with the least care. Similarly, not all natural leathers are waterproof while microfiber leather is generally water-resistant and can be worn in the rainy season as well.

3.Is microfiber leather environmentally friendly?

A. As compared to the natural leather, the microfiber leather is more eco-friendly. This is because natural leather is the byproduct of the cattle market. The growth of the cattle market adds to the emission of greenhouse gases while resulting in deforestation. Conversely, the manufacturing of microfiber leather doesn’t include any environmental impact as it is simply made from the combo of the finest fibers and polyurethane (PU).

4. What are the benefits of microfiber leather?

A. Besides, being the best affordable replacement of natural leather, microfiber leather is easy to maintain. It is also breathable, lightweight, flexible, soft, and smooth in texture just as the natural leather. Apart from that, microfiber leather is stain-resistant and is therefore much easier to maintain.

5.Is microfiber leather vegan?

A. Yes, microfiber leather is vegan leather as it is not sourced from the animals’ hides. It is a woven form of polyurethane and fiber.

6.How long does microfiber leather last?

A. Microfiber leather is the best vegan leather when it comes to durability. When cared for properly with timely conditioning, less exposure to the sunlight, and harsh weather conditions, it could easily last for several years. Despite being a high-quality vegan leather, it is not as lasting as natural leather.

7.Can microfiber leather be repaired?

A. Yes, microfiber leather can be repaired both at home and by expert services. It depends on the severity of the damage. If the damage is minor, like a small tear the synthetic leather repair kits can do the job. However, for the large damage professional service is required.

8. Is microfiber leather breathable?

A. Yes, the microfiber leather is breathable because it is made in a three-dimensional woven structure out of the finest fibers. This structure, allows the air to pass in. However, it is not as breathable as natural leather which has pores.

9. What is the difference between faux and microfiber leather?

A. Microfiber leather and faux leather are both synthetic leather types that are not real. However, where microfiber leather is the premium class of synthetic leather, faux leather is a bit cheaper quality. It is thicker than microfiber leather and is more easily prone to cracking and peeling over time. It is equally not as lasting as microfiber leather.

10. How do you clean and maintain microfiber leather?

A. Unlike natural leather, microfiber leather is easier to clean. You can easily remove a normal stain using a damp cloth only. However, for a bit deeper cleaning, a soap mixture can be used with a soft sponge. Sometimes, for better cleaning specialized synthetic leather conditioner may be required but most of the stains can easily be removed using a damp cloth.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, when it comes to a natural leather replacement, nothing can beat microfiber leather because of its similar look, feel, texture, and breathability. It gives a great edge in price, maintenance, and longevity and can be used to manufacture all kinds of products from garments to upholstery and automobile interiors too.

Jackets to Wear with Leather Skirts

It is an undeniable fact that the current era emphasizes more on technological advancements and less on fashion. Perhaps, that’s the reason why we see no further new fashions coming in and leaving us only with the earlier ones that made their way in the early 80s and so on.

While wandering through the fashion garments of that era, we stumbled upon the classic leather skirts that are reentering the fashionistas' wardrobes with a great pace. The reason for their revival and wide reacceptance is their beautiful silhouette and the availability of a bigger color range.

But this bigger collection created a bigger challenge of what to pair with these stunning leather skirts. Well, in this guide we are discussing the same to give you some nice ideas to get you an oh-so-gorgeous look. But before starting with the ideas, we want you to note the “don’ts” of wearing leather skirts with.

THE MUST-KNOW “DON’TS” FOR THE LEATHER SKIRT STYLES

A leather skirt is a garment that typically covers half of your lower body and reveals the beauty of your buttery legs. Therefore, don’t wear it with any such upper wear that covers up your lower body too. It includes trench coats, car coats, and all those long coats that most fashionistas argue about by showing you pictures of celebrities standing in the airport and giving clicks to the spontaneous unwanted, and unwelcomed media.

While celebrities ablaze most of the styles, it doesn’t mean that whatever they wear would be considered fashion garb. In many cases, celebrities must travel from state to state or even across the continent to attend a show at the last moment. Consequently, they pop up ready at the airport. But when they’ve to wear something revealing they cover it up with such long garments to feel comfortable and not to be noticed by every wandering eyes. These are the things that fashionistas have never shed some light on.

Now you must think about what to consider if the leather skirt is a long thigh covering. The principle equally applies to them. Where we allow you to wear them with a bit longer upper wear but completely hiding them doesn’t make fashion sense.

Since the important DON’TS have been elaborated on above, now let’s dive into the style ideas;

1. Pink Leather Jacket with Mini Black Leather Skirt – The Famous Barbie Style
2. Green Leather Biker Jacket with Short Black Leather Skirt – The Classy Style
3. Varsity Jacket with Black Leather Mini Skirt – A Pop Culture Style
4. Denim Trucker Jacket with Black Leather Mini Skirt – Evergreen Versatile Style
5. Belted Leather Jacket with Long Black Leather Skirt – A Multipurpose Style

1. Pink Leather Jacket with Mini Black Leather Skirt – The Famous Barbie Style

With the atmosphere filled up with Barbie everywhere, a mini black leather skirt can never go wrong with a pink leather jacket. This style won’t only sparkle you among myriad but also enhance your persona as a well-aware fashionista.

Surprisingly, the pink color within itself has a lot of sizzling range of hues including hot pink, bubblegum pink, pastel pink, and even brilliant rose pink. So pick the one you like the most and which is easily available to you. 

Finish off the look with the black or matching pink color block-heel court shoes.

2. Green Leather Biker Jacket with Short Black Leather Skirt – The Classy Style

Green is an evergreen color that has a natural tendency of if not liked that is equally won’t be disliked either. Pairing a green leather jacket with a black leather skirt, ideally mini, will give you a spot-on look.

As the green color showcases more of a neutral tone, it will ease you to follow this combo to wear in any setting whether it is informal or semi-formal.

Luckily, similar to the pink, the green leather jackets also come in different hues ranging from military green to parrot green and emerald green leather. Complete the look with green high-neck heel boots.

3. Varsity Jacket with Black Leather Mini Skirt – A Pop Culture Style 

A baseball jacket is an iconic American style statement fashion piece. It is a redefined fabricated version of the classic bomber jacket. It was a big-time player during the 1980s and even today it has no intention of slowing down.

If you want to stand out of the crowd magnificently then pick a nice varsity jacket to pair with your mini leather skirt. As you can see the all-time trending Beyoncé is spotted wearing a similar ensemble so it can’t be more convincing that this pop culture is still setting a blaze in the fashion landscape.

Complete the endpoints with stunning high-neck leather black or matching the jacket’s color boots.

4. Denim Trucker Jacket with Black Leather Mini or Long Skirt – Evergreen Versatile Style

Like leather jackets and skirts, denim trucker jackets are the same 80s hot fashion that is still trending at a great pace. When it comes to the best companion for a leather skirt, the denim trucker jacket stands as the alone best option because of its similar rugged feel.

Fortunately, the trucker jacket comes in several neutral colors including gray, brown, black, white, and some different hues of blue that all look perfect when paired with a leather skirt.

This leather and denim combo gives you a perfect informal look with a sophisticated fashion sense.

Complete the ensemble with a pair of black block-heel pumps or high-neck leather boots.

5. Belted Leather Jacket with Long Black Leather Skirt – A Multipurpose Style

Embrace a belted leather jacket to complement your long leather skirt as this retro garment is capable enough to turn heads even in this overcrowded fashion world.

It details a complete history of sophistication within itself that every generation has great coincidence with. When paired with a leather skirt in the modern fashion world, it will surely earn you the compliments it deserves because of its long well-recognized heritage.

Finish the endpoints with a pair of nice black pumps as they portray a perfect winter getup.

Conclusion:

Many fashions have come and gone by but the ones that arose during the 80s are still the fashionistas' first choice including the timeless leather skirts. Wearing them depicts your style sense and fashion forwardness.

As we helped you answer what to pick for which skirt, we left the color choice up to you as restricting you to specific colors will limit your own personal touch to the dress. That’s why we suggest you go for the color you love the most but remember to pair the same genres of the color together. For instance, for a pastel color skirt, go for the pastel color top, and similarly, for a dull tone skirt go for a similar tone top.

How To Get Smell Out Of Leather Jacket

Having a leather jacket seems great but keeping it requires special treatment as unlike other garments you can’t simply laundry them. Especially when you begin to experience some unusual irritating smell.

Reasons for Smell in New and Old Leather Jackets

Well, when we talk about smell in a leather jacket it can come out of both the new leather jackets as well as the old ones. In the new jackets, the typical reason for such a smell is leather dying with several chemical agents that take a little more time to fade away. If you experience the pungent smell of a new jacket, chances are that it was so freshly produced that the manufacturer didn’t even have time to remove the smell away before shipping it to you.

Conversely, if your leather jacket didn’t use to smell earlier but now it is smelling weirdly it is because of the porous nature of the leather. Leather is a natural material that has pours for breathability. Over time, these pours begin to expand resulting in several outer materials settling in them. These materials could include your favorite perfume, body oils, cigarette ash, sweat, and even outdoor uncontrollable elements like smoke, and seashore zooplankton smell etc. With time, these elements in combination create a strong unpleasant smell and its intensity could be anywhere from mild to strong. If you have bought an old leather jacket from the thrift store, it could have caught the smell of other garments likewise.

 To tackle all such smells, we are sharing below the proven methods to get the unpleasant smell completely out of your leather jacket. The methods given below start from the easiest and lowest investment ones to the less convenient ones. This will help you to go after the ones that best suit your time and needs.

1. Airing Out a Leather Jacket in Indirect Sunlight
2. Using a Baking Soda – An Easy-to-Find Home Material
3. Using White Vinegar – Requires a Spray Bottle too
4. Coffee Grounds Method – A Natural Smell Neutralizer
5. Activated Charcoal Pouches – Easy-to-Follow Method
6. Using Quality Leather Conditioner – Recommended Method for Fast Result
7. Professional Cleaning – The Final Choice
8. Airing out a Leather Jacket in Indirect Sunlight

This method can be followed for both a new and an old jacket with smell. However, if you have a new leather jacket, you should start with this one.

As already discussed above, an unpleasant smell in new jackets is usually because of the chemical treatments they have been through. Such agents need to be dried off which could be done by keeping the jacket in contact with the sunlight but indirectly as direct sunlight could dry the oils of the leather that keep the jacket soft and supple which could potentially lead the jacket to peel off (which is also a sign of a poor quality leather).

As a general rule, keep it in contact with the sunlight for at least 24-48 hours which equals to a day or two. The reason we encourage you to keep it longer is that even with a day you get only 7-8 hours of quality sunlight and since you are keeping it indirectly therefore the impact would be even lower. However, if you are running out of time or don’t have sunlight because of your geographical location or season or if this method isn’t working for you despite trying it out for longer you should move ahead to the next methods that are comparatively frequent to follow.

2. Using a Baking Soda – An Easy-to-Find Home Material

Generally, baking soda is an item that we all have in our kitchens whether we are Westerners, Asians, or someone so unique living in the polar region. It is a good material to absorb bad odors as some people also use it in the refrigerator to get rid of the fish or other items smells. The baking soda odor removal method is defined in the easy-to-follow steps below;

1. Get a bag in which your leather jacket can easily sit. Make sure the bag doesn’t have any sort of material odor in it, secondly, it should be air-tight. Normally a polythene bag meets all these criteria so it could be a good choice if easily available to you.
2. Sprinkle the baking soda on the jacket both on the outer and inner surfaces same as you sprinkle the salt on a pizza.
3. Keep the jacket inside the airtight bag and leave it for 24-48 hours. Finally, get the jacket out of the bag, gently dust the soda out of it, and enjoy the non-smelling jacket.

In case, the soda jar is emptied you can then move on to the next method that requires white vinegar.

3. Using White Vinegar – Requires a Spray Bottle too

White vinegar is widely directly used for cleaning several materials. However, in this method, we will be using it with an equal amount of water in a spray form. Below are the steps;

1. Take a spray bottle and make sure that it doesn’t have any inherited material smell in it.
2. Pour white vinegar first in an adequate quantity (as per the availability). Now add an equal amount of water as that of vinegar. Mix it well, and spray it over the jacket as a mist. Don’t wet the jacket as the excessive amount of vinegar could remove the color. Also, make sure not to spray it over the metallic accessories as vinegar can cause corrosion. To protect them, use the wiretap to cover the accessories first then spray over the jacket.
3. Let the mist sit for 10-15 minutes then dry the jacket by wiping it off using a damp cloth and enjoy the odorless jacket.
4. Coffee Grounds Method – A Natural Smell Neutralizer

Coffee grounds are normally used by perfume sellers to neutralize the smell sensation of the customer to let them smell the aroma of the other perfume. Using the same neutralization factor, we will use it for the jacket in the following steps;

1. Get a small breathable bag to put the coffee grounds in.
2. Hang the jacket then place the coffee grounds bag in it.
3. Leave the jacket as it is for straight 24 hours.

And now enjoy the odorless leather jacket with the soft pleasant scent of the coffee ground neutralizer.

5. Activated Charcoal Pouches – Easy-to-Follow Method

Activated charcoal is the tasteless and odorless powder form of charcoal. While it has several benefits of home remedies it is equally beneficial for removing smell out of a garment. To use it to remove the smell from a leather jacket follow the below steps;

1. Make small pouches of activated charcoal using breathable material.
2. Place them inside the jacket for a few days.

Now embrace the new odorless version of your jacket.

6. Using Quality Leather Conditioner – Recommended Method for Fast Result

If none of the methods described above work for you then we recommend going for a quality leather conditioner. Most often, the leather jacket needs some good treatment and conditioning to get its new and odorless look. That’s no wonder that a leather conditioner can renew an old jacket while simultaneously removing the smell. We are also sharing here the leather conditioner that you can shop at a click but make sure to use it in accordance with the guidance as some conditioners can also remove the wax cover of the jacket.

7. Professional Cleaning – The Final Choice

If despite using all the methods you are unable to get rid of the strong smell completely or if you want a frequent solution without any “ifs” and “ifs not” then we suggest you hand over your leather jacket to a professional leather cleaner. It could include both the leather manufacturers as well as the leather polishers because they both are professionally experienced and equipped with the stuff needed to clean the jacket. If you’re hunting for one online then we suggest you must go through the testimonials and reviews first before giving your jacket to them.

Conclusion

A leather jacket is the most performing gear because of its natural sturdiness. Where it offers several unique qualities that set it apart from other garments, it is equally challenging to maintain it as it can’t be simply machine washed. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of your leather jacket from the very beginning so it doesn’t smell over time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What’s the fastest and ideal way to remove odor from a leather jacket?
2. The fastest way to remove the odor is to apply a leather conditioner over it. It is the proven method most frequently used by leather manufacturers too. However, it is not the ideal one. The ideal and the fastest method is to get the smell removed by the leather cleaners. Since it is their professional work to clean the leather, therefore they keep all the necessary stuff all the time making them an ideal option to have your leather jacket smell free.
3. Can I remove the smell from my leather jacket using baking soda?
4. It depends upon the intensity of the smell. If it is mild, chances are that you can easily get it off using baking soda. However, if the smell is pungent it may not be get rid of completely. Although, trying the baking soda trick first before spending on buying an expensive leather cleaner is a better decision.
5. How can I keep my leather jacket fresh and smell-free for longer?
6. To keep your leather soft, supple, and looking fresh use essential oils and leather conditioner timely. To keep it smell-free, make sure to not keep it with unwashed clothes, in a cupboard that smells because of its material, and to wear it over garments that have perfume sprayed on them. Similarly, avoid smoking while wearing a leather jacket, and walking in traffic jams as the smoke smell could settle in your jacket.
7. Can I remove smells from my leather jacket by machine washing it?
8. No, a leather jacket shouldn’t be washed. There’s a certain leather type that can endure excessive water. However, not all leather types can undergo washing. It is rather ideal to get it cleaned through a professional leather cleaner who knows how to clean a certain leather type following which method.
9. How do I remove the cigarette smell from my jacket?
10. Hang the leather jacket out in the well-ventilated area. Make a small pouch of breathable fabric or material, keep coffee grounds or activated charcoal in it, and keep that pouch inside the jacket. Leave the jacket for 24-48 hours so the activated charcoal or coffee grounds can neutralize the smell.